The Benefits of Commercial Solar for Your Business

First up let’s look at the main reasons why you should consider commercial solar energy to help power your business.

Massive Savings on Energy Bills

Every business wants to lower its operating costs. Energy bills are a big part of your ongoing expenses that affect your cash flow. Unless you have solar battery storage, free energy from the sun needs to be used as it is generated to get the maximum savings, which is perfect for most businesses.

If you conduct most of your operations during daylight hours, you’ll be wiping out much of your energy bill with a big enough solar system because your business will run primarily on solar. You’ll only use energy from the main grid during times when the sun isn’t shining or your system isn’t producing enough to power your whole building or business.

Check out our commercial solar case studies. 

Finance Payments May be Tax-Deductible

There is an upfront cost to installing a solar system, and many businesses choose to finance this cost. The great thing is these finance payments may be tax-deductible (always check with your accountant first). Secondly, the savings you make on your energy bills is usually more than the monthly finance payment. So, it’s actually a cash-flow-positive move. Of course, this is not financial advice, and you should seek professional taxation and financial advice prior to making a decision.

The System Pays for Itself

Before too long, your solar system will pay for itself. By that, we mean the savings you’ve made on your electricity bills will outweigh the upfront cost/finance costs for the system. After that, you begin to realise the full benefit and maximum savings because you’ll have no finance payments and reduced electricity bills.

Commercial Solar Installation Process Explained

The commercial solar installation process is more complex than residential solar. With a stronger emphasis on planning and design, this is where you need experienced professionals on your side. Here are the 4 main steps of getting your commercial solar system installed.

1. Site Evaluation and Power Use Analysis

All commercial solar installations start with a site evaluation. Your solar installer will look over your site to determine how your system will connect to the grid. They will also evaluate the building itself, checking for shaded rooftop areas that may limit solar production, as well as undertaking any surveys required.

Prior to designing a system, the solar provider will analyse your current energy consumption and usage patterns to determine the size of the system you’ll need. It is best to give them your bills for the previous 12 months so they can see the usage patterns and seasonal variations.

This information will allow them to understand your actual costs per kWh so they are able to calculate your estimated savings and return on investment. Understand that the power costs for businesses per kWh are lower than for domestic consumers. Other costs are made of fixed fees and charges such as your daily connection cost, which will remain the same after solar.

2. System Design

All commercial buildings are different, and installing solar panels is usually more complex than a residential rooftop. So, careful planning is required to design a system that provides you with maximum benefit. The system design will not only show where the panels will be mounted (rooftop, ground, other structures), but they will also show how they will be arranged to ensure the system catches maximum sunlight.

As part of the system design, the solar retailer will provide details of the estimated power output of the system using specialized solar mapping software. Using this information, they will be able to model your estimated financial savings and return on investment.

Your solar supplier will need to advise you on the regulatory and local government requirements regarding a commercial solar installation. For systems over 10kW in size, most councils require you to seek approval. The installer will also advise you regarding any special requirements from the energy distributor.

Any system up to 30kW is subject to the same grid connection rules as residential solar. Commercial solar systems between 30 and 100kW have special requirements to protect the power grid from all the power that they produce.

In many cases, the power distributor will insist on an export limiter being fixed to the system. This limits the amount of power that can be sent back to the grid. This will be stated in the documentation from the power distributor covering the permission to connect. Ensure that you see this documentation prior to installation.

3. Construction and Installation of your System

The time it takes to construct your system can vary depending on the size of the system and the complexity of installation. Because most commercial buildings have flat roofs, in some cases the solar panels need to be mounted on tilts to achieve an optimal angle.

Cherrypickers will need to be used to access the roof. In larger installations with taller buildings, cranes may be used to lift the panels and the mounting rails and materials onto the roof.

The installation time frame will vary with the size and complexity of the system and whether the system requires tilt mounts. Your installer will advise you regarding installation timing.

It’s crucial to work with solar installers who are experienced in commercial work because they will complete the construction and installation phase with minimal disruption to your business.

4. Connection

Finally, it’s time to connect your system. The system will have been tested and checked and now commissioned. This is the final step, where your installer confirms that your system is up and running, and your energy retailer is notified of the change in your energy setup.

Make sure that the installer has set up a good monitoring system for your commercial solar system that allows you to measure both the power production of the system as well as your power consumption and trained you on how to use it. This should allow you to check production and consumption down the hour. Make sure someone in your business has the responsibility to check this at least once a week.

Your solar provider should have also provided an inspection and maintenance schedule for your system.

If you want expert advice, experienced commercial system designers and the highest standard of workmanship, look no further than Solar Bright. We’ve helped hundreds of businesses realise the benefits of solar, and we tailor every installation to suit the needs and budget of each business. Contact the professional team at Solar Bright and find out how you can start saving money.

Read Also:
Does Daylight Saving Help Us Reduce Energy Consumption?
7 Reasons Why Now Is The Right Time To Install Solar

The post Commercial Solar Installation Process appeared first on SolarBright.

Strong Savings on Business Energy Costs

Firstly, and probably most importantly, from a business perspective, solar energy provides considerable financial savings. All businesses want to reduce operating expenses and put more cash back on their balance sheet – one of the best ways to do this is by lowering your energy costs.

We’ve helped plenty of businesses save money by installing solar, and most of them end up slashing their energy costs in half. Some generate even more savings than that, such as Dentro Joinery who reduced their energy costs from $30,000 per year down to $12,000.

How much you can save varies for each business and depends on your power usage patterns, power costs and the size of the system that can be installed on the roof space.

When we propose a solar solution for a business, we use advanced software to map out the potential new system. This shows us just how much solar energy you could generate per year. The design software considers the solar panel selected, the solar irradiance at the site, panel orientation and panel tilt. We also analyse your existing energy costs and usage, giving us a full breakdown of how much you could expect to save annually the projected return on investment.

Most Business Energy Use is During Daylight Hours

Solar energy is free while the sun shines. The solar works in conjunction with the main grid power. During the day the solar system can power the business or cover a proportion of the power requirements depending on the size of the solar power system.

Because most businesses work during hours when the sun is shining, solar energy offsets far more of their electricity expenses than it would in a residential home where the families are often elsewhere during the day.

So, unless you do most of your business at night, the savings you’ll generate from solar energy are likely to be immense.

Business Solar Systems Pay for Themselves

There is, of course, a setup cost associated with installing a commercial solar system on your business premises. You can pay for it outright or take a 5-year finance option. Many choose the finance option because it allows them to spread the expense more evenly, making it a cash-flow friendly decision.

Many businesses find that their energy savings more than cover the cost of repayments for those first 5 years. So, essentially, the system pays for itself and can be cash flow positive from day 1. In addition, once you’ve paid the finance for the system, the savings are all yours. Considering the general lifespan of solar panels is between 20-25 years, that means you could end up with free electricity for another 20 years after paying for your system.

Solar for Business Reduces Your Emissions

Many businesses these days are looking for ways to reduce their carbon emissions and work with a more sustainable business model. If being environmentally conscious is part of your corporate governance plan, then it’s worth considering going solar. You’ll reduce your emissions and we can even tell you by how much.

Consumers Love Environmentally Friendly Businesses

Of course, being environmentally conscious isn’t just about doing the right thing. There’s a commercial benefit to your business too. Consumers are becoming more informed about the companies they support, particularly in terms of their sustainability practices. So, by going solar, you have the potential to attract more customers who are willing to support you rather than your competitors who haven’t made the shift to renewable energy.

Which Businesses Benefit the Most From Solar?

Most businesses can benefit from installing solar energy. It especially benefits those industries with the highest energy requirements are most likely to reap the best rewards. Here at SolarBright, we’ve personally helped countless businesses slash their energy bills, including the following industries:

• Agricultural businesses
• Car Dealers Child Care Centres Churches
• Clubs and pubs
• Commercial office space providers
• Engineering shops
• Joineries
• Frozen food wholesalers
• Manufacturers
• Restaurants
• Schools
• Service Stations
• Warehouse and logistics facilities

The fact is, aside from the setup costs, solar energy is free. Once your system is paid for, you’re getting free energy from the sun, which means it helps insulate you from rising power costs. Basically, if you’re a business that uses power during the day, you’re going to benefit from installing solar.

Talk to the Experts in Commercial Solar Power Systems Today

When you’re considering solar energy systems for your business, there’s only one name you need to remember. SolarBright are your experts in planning and designing commercial solar systems to save you money. We’ve got a proven track record of excellent service, and we only sell products that are tried and tested to perform well in Australian conditions.

There’s never been a better time to install solar, so if you want to future-proof your business against rising energy prices, contact the experts at SolarBright and book a COVID safe no obligation business solar consultation today.

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The Risks Of Cheap Solar

The post Is Solar for Business a No Brainer? appeared first on SolarBright.

Most people will have seen the ads in their social feeds or on the internet for cheap 6.6kW solar systems priced for $3,200 or less. LIMITED OFFER or SALE ENDS SOON shout the banners, often featuring ex Aussie cricket captains.

Then you will see ads for other 6.6kW systems that are hundreds of dollars more. We often get asked by our customers “Why is some solar so cheap?” The answer is in the shortcuts taken with the quality of the components and installation.

The Risks of Cheap Solar – The Harsh Truth

Cheap: of little account; of small value; mean; shoddy.

Australians seem addicted to cheap solar. The truth with solar is you get what you pay for. In the long term cheap solar costs you more. Consider this:

• Over 700 solar companies have gone out of business since 2011 leaving tens of thousands of customers as “solar orphans” with worthless warranties and useless systems.
• At least 1 in 5 installed systems were found by the Australian National Audit Office to be “sub-standard” and failed to meet industry standards.
• The same audit found 2% of systems were “dangerous.”
• The cheap installers hide behind solar panel and inverter “brands” and some behind Aussie ex-cricketers.
• The shortcuts taken with the installations are a shortcut to property danger.

Don’t put your home in danger with cheap solar.

How Do They Get Solar to a Cheap Price?

Most people believe that the major cost of a 6.6kW solar system is in the solar panels and inverter – the hardware.

Wrong.

The biggest single cost is the installation – the man on the roof and the quality of the installation components and workmanship.

To get to the cheap price they use cheap components and unlicensed, unskilled labour including backpackers. Unskilled labour is cheap.

The installation by the unskilled workers is then signed off by a remote, licensed installer who does not conduct an on-site inspection of the quality of the job or to see if it even meets regulations. There were cases uncovered by the Clean Energy Council where a cheap solar company installer was signing off on up to 10 solar systems a day!

The cheap solar companies are in a race to the bottom on pricing, and Australian families and businesses are the biggest losers.

In the last few months of 2020 there was a jump in the number of fires caused by poorly installed solar. The NSW Department of Fair Trading spot checked 100 solar businesses and fined 20 of them for failing to meet industry standards.

Kevin Anderson, the Minister for Better Regulation, said there were unscrupulous operators “Who are selling less than the best quality products, not installing it properly and causing fires.”

As these cheap systems begin to age, they become more of a risk as the issues with poor installation and poor quality components come to the fore. The danger is real.

Do you want a backpacker or a licensed installer to install your solar system?

Cheap Solar Installation = Compromised Safety

One of the biggest risks of cheap solar is what corners are cut in the installation?

Every week we are taking down these cheap solar systems, some only three or four years old. The customers have been stuck with a worthless system that is not working and have no choice except to buy a new, quality solar power system.

They have bought cheap once and now have to pay again.

With these systems we remove, the poor quality of the workmanship we see is astounding. We see systems that:

• Fail to meet Clean Energy Council regulations.
• Have “Solar Snakes” – conduit with the high voltage DC cables inside – running across the roof.
• High voltage DC cables lying directly across the roof.
• Untied and unbundled high voltage cable laying beneath the panels.
• Inferior poor quality DC isolation switches are used and not installed to regulation, posing the risk of failure and fire.

How to Choose Your Solar Retailer

Avoid the risks of cheap solar an do not become “solar orphan” left with a faulty system and worthless warranties. Do some research and choose your solar supplier wisely. Ask the following questions:

• Are they a reputable retailer with over 10 years history that can back up the long-term warranties?
• Are they a CEC Approved Solar Retailer? This is different to a CEC Accredited Installer which is mandatory for installers.
• Do they have credentials from the top industry companies such as LG and Tesla?
• On installs do they just use labourers and backpackers with an accredited installer to sign off later?
• Do they have a showroom and a physical address, or just a pretty website?
• Also check the address – some companies hire mailing addresses in serviced offices in CBD areas so they can put several state capital addresses on their website.
• When you request a quote does a person come out to inspect and provide a free consultation? If not, would you expect them to come if there was an issue?

Choose a solar retailer has that has the history, resources and credentials to help you now and in the future.

Read Also:
Skylight Warranty – It Is All In The Tube!
How Much Does A Solar Power System Save And Is Solar Worth It?

The post The Risks of Cheap Solar appeared first on SolarBright.

The size you choose will vary greatly between individual households or commercial properties and there are factors you need to consider when determining which will be most beneficial to you. An exact calculation accounting for a comprehensive list of variables, requires professional advice, but some general information is still useful and will help you gauge an appropriate solar power system size.

After many years installing solar panels for many thousands of satisfied clients, SolarBright will provide you with the very best advice and a system of the highest quality. Whether you want a 3kW solar system for a small household or a commercial system in excess of 100kW, we will satisfy all your solar needs.

Roof Size

In order to harness the power of the sun, you first need to capture it and your rooftop is the best location for this. The dimensions of your roof will help you determine how many panels can be installed and how much power can be generated. Keep in mind that not all areas of your roof will be appropriate for solar panels. Any south facing sections of rooftop for example, will not receive enough sunlight to offer efficient solar power. Most homes, however, have ample space.

To help plan the right sized system for you and to make sure it will fit, SolarBright uses satellite solar mapping software. We map the panels directly on your roof and produce a report for you to estimate the annual power output of your system and the estimated yearly savings from the solar system.

Electricity Bill

The details of your electricity bill can be very illuminating when determining your energy needs and the most appropriate system for your house. Most energy providers include a graph of your electricity usage over a day, month or year on your bill. An average Australian household uses somewhere in the vicinity of 12 to 18 kWh (kilowatt hours) a day. Most of Australia’s main urban centres produce around 4kWh per 1kW of installed solar each day. If you divide the daily energy consumption of your house by the solar kilowatts per day, you can gauge the size of an appropriate solar power system.

For example, if you use 20kWh a day, you divide it by 4, which is 5. This means that a 5kW solar system would generate roughly the same amount of electricity that you use, resulting in a significant reduction in ‘on the grid’ consumption. For couples or those living alone, a 3kW solar system may be large enough to make substantial savings on your bills.

This is just a general guide and the optimal solar power system for your home is unique to your situation. Your best option is to give the team at Solar Bright a call and let us offer our expert advice.

Read More:

• Commercial Solar – A Business Case Study
• Solar Panel Prices – Why Install a Solar Power System?
• How Much Does a Solar Power System Save and is Solar Worth It?

The post How To Choose The Right Sized Solar Power System appeared first on SolarBright.

What are whirlybirds?

The whirlybird, or turbine vent, is a semi mechanical ventilation system that utilises wind to cool our houses. They have a distinctive bulb shaped appearance with fins on the external surface which allow the unit to spin in the wind. This, in turn, creates a vacuum that forces warmer air from roof cavities, effectively cooling your house.

How effective are whirlybirds?

There are two broad categories of Whirlybirds. Active whirlybirds are driven mechanically and spin constantly, while passive units rely on the wind to propel them. As they are dependent on the elements, passive whirlybirds have greater operational limitations. The other significant factor determining efficiency is the diameter of the dome. The larger the diameter, the greater the volume of air that can be removed from your house.

Who benefits most from a whirlybird?

Whirlybirds in Sydney are more effective in some situations than others. Because of their somewhat limited output, they often achieve the best results in smaller homes or apartments. Alternatively, they can also be combined with other ventilation systems to increase efficiency and reduce running costs. The other great advantages of whirlybird installation are the convenience and affordability. These types of vents are cheap, have little to no running costs and are easy to fit.

Those seeking reliable, efficient and effective cooling for a large property may be better served using mechanical or solar roof ventilation. Others on a budget, or with a small area to cool, may find that a whirlybird serves their purposes well. To organise whirlybird installation, discuss your options or make any other roof ventilation inquiry, get in touch with the team at Solar Bright today.

Read More:

• Don’t vent if you haven’t got proper ventilation
• Solar Panel Prices – Why Install a Solar Power System?
• How Much Does a Solar Power System Save and is Solar Worth It?

The post To Whirlybird or not to Whirlybird appeared first on SolarBright.

By examining variables like “a client’s energy profile” and “a clients site & location” , and then listening to their financial goals, Solar Bright is able to calculate the size of commercial solar power installation most appropriate for the client and map a time-line for realising a return on investment (ROI) for the money you invest.

The Background

The business is Owned by Paul Wakeling Motor Group. Solar Bright was challenged to design and install solar power that would achieve a reduced energy cost for Paul.

The Challenge

The task given to Solar Bright was to positively impact the workplace environment and reduce the green house gas emissions and electricity bill.

To reduce power consumption from the power grid, which was 27,003 kwh before solar power

The Solutions Provided

Read More:

• How Much Does a Solar Power System Save and is Solar Worth It?
• Solar Panel Prices – Why Install a Solar Power System?
• How To Choose The Right Sized Solar Power System

The post Who thought Solar Panels would be an investment decision for business Owners? appeared first on SolarBright.

Here are the changes that create positive environmental impact while you’re in a highly restricted workplace:

Think of the Small Things

Keep air vents clear of papers and office supplies, as they consume more energy to pump air through blocked vents. During cold weather, stay away from cold windows and dress in layers so you can adapt to the office temperature.

Replace Your Regular Centralised Air-conditioning with Solar System

Solar air conditioner absorbs solar heat through an evacuated tube-type solar collector, reducing electricity consumption during peak period. This utilises solar energy to make air-conditioning cycle up to 50% more efficient, conserving electricity at the time when the cooling load requirement is at the highest. This makes it more efficient in saving energy than a regular air conditioner, and results in a more harmonious and sustainable living.

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

Recycle everything possible – from empty ink cartridges to batteries. Set up recycling stations throughout your workplace with boxes for aluminium, plastics, and papers. Keep a box of unused papers near the copier or fax machines. Avoid printing emails unless necessary. Use recyclable cups, plates, and utensils when possible.

Bring in Daylight with Commercial Skylights

Commercial skylight systems turn your dark, damp office into a healthy, sun-filled, and welcoming environment. These systems utilise the sun’s power, while blocking the harmful UV rays to provide a pleasant, bright office for your employees. Commercial skylights are great for schools, day care centres, corporate offices, or any dark workplaces.

More businesses have been conserving energy to help protect the Earth. Going green, though, isn’t just being environmentally friendly; it also boosts business productivity. With all these green practices, you can stay waste-free at work and cut environment footprint in half. Contact us for more cost-cutting green practice for workplaces.

Read More:

• How Much Does a Solar Power System Save and is Solar Worth It?
• Solar Panel Prices – Why Install a Solar Power System?
• How To Choose The Right Sized Solar Power System

The post Creating a Greener Office Enviroment appeared first on SolarBright.